Hi all,
My Mom suffers from phlegm and she never had lyme. Below is from the website below. I think my Mom has Post Nasal Drip as well as being allergic to dairy (casein).
https://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/phlegm-and-throat-mucus.htmlWhat Causes Throat Mucus & Phlegm Build-Up?
•Post Nasal Drip: Post nasal drip occurs when an excessive amount of mucus accumulates in the nose and throat, causing coughing and congestion.
•Cold or Flu: During a cold or bout of flu, the respiratory system amps up its production of clear, thin mucus in the nose and back of the throat. When the body starts to react to the virus, that mucus begins to thicken and turn yellow or green as it tries to protect your body. This is one of the most noticeable symptoms of the cold or flu virus.
•Seasonal Allergies: More and more people seem to suffer from seasonal allergies every year. Unlike the common cold, the symptoms of seasonal allergies — such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and, of course, that pesky throat mucus — will occur all at once. There are many different types of allergens that cause these symptoms, depending on the season, and they can manifest anytime from late winter through summer. Tree and flower pollen are some of the major culprits of seasonal allergies, and the symptoms will last until the allergens have dissipated.
•Foods: Unfortunately, some foods can cause excess throat mucus, and if you are already dealing with phlegm, the last thing you want to do is add to the problem. Milk and dairy products like yogurt, cottage cheese and butter cause excess mucus to accumulate in the throat. These types of food contain protein molecules called casein that increase the secretion of mucus. Being a bit careful about
what you eat can help reduce excess phlegm and throat congestion, especially if you have other contributing conditions like allergies. Along with milk products, other foods like caffeine, sugar, salt, non-herbal teas — especially black tea — can all create excess mucus. Soy is one of the most mucus-producing plant foods there is. Those who give up meat and dairy and switch to soy products have a greater risk of creating an unhealthy mucus build-up in the body.
•Pregnancy: Many women experience symptoms of nasal congestion, coughing and sneezing during pregnancy. Although irritating, these symptoms are very common and rank right up there with backaches and morning sickness. Estrogen is known to exacerbate mucus production and cause the mucus to get very thick or thin, both of which can cause coughing and congestion.
Throat disorders such as tonsillitis, strep throat, catarrh and laryngitis often include symptoms of mucus in the throat. Viral infections such as chicken pox, measles, mononucleosis, whooping cough or croup may also cause throat mucus. If the throat is irritated by cigarette smoke, polluted air or chemical fumes, mucus can also settle on the lining of the throat and nasal lining. Throat mucus also causes bad breath because it contains a high amount of protein and produces anaerobic bacteria.
Throat Mucus in Children
Children who have caught a respiratory infection will often experience an excess of mucus in the throatthat can last four to six weeks — even after all their other symptoms have cleared. Though troubling, this is very common. A phlegm-producing cough sounds "wet" in a child’s chest and throat. Although an upper respiratory infection is the most common cause for throat mucus in children, seasonal allergies can cause a build-up of phlegm, as well. Children are susceptible to seasonal allergies anytime from late December through the end of the summer months, just like adults.
Help for Throat Mucus
When the mucus in the back of the throat becomes thick, it is natural to feel a need to clear the throat by coughing. Clearing your throat will help the phlegm loosen or break up in the back of the throat, which may temporarily alleviate the uncomfortable feeling. However, excessive coughing can give rise to other problems, like sore muscles or broken blood vessels in the eye area. Mucus problems can be a nuisance, but there are some simple ways to remedy them. Make sure that you drink plenty of liquids that will not increase phlegm production, such as water, juice or tea with honey. Gargling daily with warm salt water can help thin out mucus, just be careful to spit it out rather than swallowing, as the salinity can cause an upset stomach. If you accidently swallow some and feel a bit queasy, DigestoCalm can help get you back on track. For more severe throat infections, a doctor’s visit is recommended.
Tips to prevent and soothe throat mucus and phlegm
•Inhale steam from a tub of boiling water or hot shower to loosen mucus in the throat and alleviate sinus congestion
•Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to loosen phlegm and thin mucus — and because it is good for your overall health
•Blow your nose frequently to prevent mucus from draining into your throat
•Gargle regularly with warm water and salt
•Avoid eating foods such as dairy products, meat or fried foods that can increase mucus production
•Drink hot liquids to moisten the airways and break up the mucus
•Eat spicy foods, horseradish or hot chili peppers to loosen mucus
•Limit exposure to irritants such as household cleaners, paint fumes, chemicals or cigarette smoke. Stop smoking as it irritates the throat and worsens respiratory conditions
•Products such as Mucus-Clear™ may also provide temporary relief from symptoms of throat congestion and excessive mucus.
Denise